Shirley was born February 6, 1935, in Greenville, Illinois, the daughter of Claude and Edna Hill. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.

On September 26, 1954, Shirley and James Christensen were married at Third Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. Shirley served as Trust Department Vice President with First National Bank, and owned and operated Christensen’s Greenhouse with her husband James, in Dubuque. Shirley enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidering, reading, and playing cards and dominos with friends. She loved entertaining at their home near Freddie’s Beach, and most of all spending time with family.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Christensen of Delhi; three sons, Jerome (Dawn) Christensen of Naples, Florida, John (Roxanne) Christensen of Fort Madison, and Joe Christensen of Delhi; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Connie Allendorf of Galena, Illinois.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Edna Hill; sisters, June Stoner and Doris Hill; and a grandson, Derek Christensen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Delhi United Methodist Church.